Education at Emmanuel
LECTIONARY PLUS: Prepare for Worship This Sunday.
This Week’s Readings:
Isaiah 2:1–5 • Romans 13:11–14 • Matthew 24:26–34
This week’s Scriptures call us to stay awake, be alert, and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Isaiah offers a vision of God’s promised peace, Romans urges us to cast off darkness and live in the light of Christ, and Matthew reminds us to remain watchful as we await God’s final redemption.
On this First Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of Hope—a symbol of our trust in God’s promises and our expectation of Christ’s coming. As we enter this season of waiting and preparation, we remember that the Lord is drawing near.
Join us on Sunday as we reflect, prepare, and worship together.
THIS WEEK’S SUNDAY FORUM! This week’s topic: Zoroastrianism: The Key to Unlocking Satan, The Wise Men and Heaven and Hell!
This Sunday we begin our four-part Advent series, “Living Among the World’s Religions.” Our first focus is on Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic faiths and a surprising source of influence on several biblical themes.
We’ll explore how Zoroastrian beliefs shaped early Christian understandings of good and evil, angels and Satan, and even concepts of heaven and hell. We will also look at the connection between Zoroastrian astrologers—often linked to the wise men (Magi)—and their ability to read the stars to recognize significant events, including the coming of Jesus.
Join us as we discover how this ancient faith offers insight into the world in which Christianity first emerged—and how it helps illuminate the Advent story in new ways.
Join us Sunday at 10:15 AM in the Community Room for further discussions.